Commuters warned about storm, possible tornado in O.C.-I.E. area

[caption id="attachment_54057" align="aligncenter" width="460" caption="A reader emailed this image of the huge thunderstorm on the eastern side of the Santa Ana Mountains."][/caption]

The National Weather Service says that a huge line of thunderstorms has developed along the eastern slope of the Santa Ana Mountains and could affect Orange County commuters who will be driving to the Inland Empire between now and 6 p.m., especially if they're headed for the area between Corona and Lake Elsinore. The weather service briefly had an advisory up saying that the thunderstorms could produce tornadoes. However, that threat appeared to have passed by 5 p.m.

But forecasters still say that commuters should still be watchful through 6 p.m. for rain or winds that could suddenly appear along the 215 and 15 freeways, and the 74 (Ortega) Highway.

The system is not expected to drop widespread rain across Orange County's flood plain. In fact, the plain and beaches are expected to remain unusually hot and humid, and mostly clear, except for the heavy haze just off the coast.

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